Family Services Specialist II-CPS

Virginia Department of Social Services•Portsmouth, VA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs professional work in the protection, safety, and care of children in need of services, resources, referrals and or treatment. Reports to the Family Services Supervisor and will be assigned to the Child Protective Services unit. Performs case management duties to include, but are not limited to, planning and coordinating services for individuals and families; interviews and identifies barriers; performs assessment of client and family needs; develops and implements service plans to address the nature and the extent of needs for the child/children; implements services that focus on safety, monitors progress and completes routine paperwork in timeframes established by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Initiates or approves credit authorizations and purchase orders for client needs and services and maintains financial records. Investigates cases of suspected child abuse and neglect; evaluates high-risk situations and takes appropriate measures to ensure the safety of children; determines appropriate actions and ensures all state mandated notifications are completed; arranges for necessary medical examinations and performs detailed assessments to gather family history and strengths, mental capacity and physical development, incidents of abuse. Exercises emergency removal authority; and interviews and examines client(s) for possible injuries and life-threatening situations. Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings. Answers hotline and records reports of child abuse, neglect and exploitation in VDSS system. Travels and transports children; conducts home visits, counsels, and serves as an advocate for clients’ rights. Initiates court petitions, prepares written reports for court submission, attends court hearings and testifies as necessary. Coordinates with local law enforcement as necessary. Plans and attends meetings, and works with other agencies such as the courts, public schools, treatment programs, and other community partners. Serves as a resource and provides agency information and/or resources to the community. May facilitate or assist in the facilitation of agency groups. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human services field and 1 – 2 years of crisis intervention, social work or case management experience
OR a Bachelor’s degree in any field and 2 - 3 years of experience performing case work, crisis intervention or social work
An acceptable general background check to include a local, state and federal criminal history and sex offender registry check
Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint
Required to work on-call on a 24-hour rotational basis to respond to emergencies and routine situations
Completion of mandatory child protective services state training is required
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Responsibilities

Performs case management duties to include, but are not limited to, planning and coordinating services for individuals and families
Interviews and identifies barriers
Performs assessment of client and family needs
Develops and implements service plans to address the nature and the extent of needs for the child/children
Implements services that focus on safety, monitors progress and completes routine paperwork in timeframes established by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
Initiates or approves credit authorizations and purchase orders for client needs and services and maintains financial records
Investigates cases of suspected child abuse and neglect
Evaluates high-risk situations and takes appropriate measures to ensure the safety of children
Determines appropriate actions and ensures all state mandated notifications are completed
Arranges for necessary medical examinations and performs detailed assessments to gather family history and strengths, mental capacity and physical development, incidents of abuse
Exercises emergency removal authority
Interviews and examines client(s) for possible injuries and life-threatening situations
Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings
Answers hotline and records reports of child abuse, neglect and exploitation in VDSS system
Travels and transports children
Conducts home visits, counsels, and serves as an advocate for clients’ rights
Initiates court petitions, prepares written reports for court submission, attends court hearings and testifies as necessary
Coordinates with local law enforcement as necessary
Plans and attends meetings, and works with other agencies such as the courts, public schools, treatment programs, and other community partners
Serves as a resource and provides agency information and/or resources to the community
May facilitate or assist in the facilitation of agency groups
Performs other duties as assigned